The Yamaha P115 and P125 are both digital pianos. This means they are well able to synthesize impressive qualities found in both the acoustic piano and the music keyboard.
But first things first. Have you ever asked what the “P” in the Yamaha pianos mean?
The “P” in the Yamaha pianos stand for “portable”. This explains how despite the impressive features that come with these musical instruments, the weight and size are considerate. This is one edge digital pianos and products from the Yamaha brand have over traditional acoustic pianos. Given the size of pianos such as the Yamaha P115 and P125, they can be easily moved around.
Is the Yamaha P115 still produced?
The Yamaha P115 is not produced anymore. The production of the renowned P115 was discontinued in 2018. This is because the P125 was released to replace the P115. Although considered an upgrade, the P125 has a lot of features similar to the P115 it replaced. As a matter of fact, understanding the difference may require a closer look or even playing the instrument.
Because the Yamaha P125 was designed to be better than the P115, we will be assessing if it is really an upgrade.
Before we kick off with the comparison, you should understand that this is a very lengthy article. This is because of the number of relevant resources available for your use.
However, if for any reason you are unable to read the entire article, you can just go through the next three sections. This is because relevant information has been reeled out in bite-sized portions.
Table of Contents
Overall Review of Yamaha P115 vs P125
The Yamaha P115 and P125 are very similar digital pianos. The P125 was designed as an upgrade to the P115. However, the P125 still maintains the construction style, type, and many aspects in terms of product quality.
The Yamaha P115 and P125 both operate with “graded hammer action”, have the same connectivity ports, have the same weight: 11.8kg/ 26 pounds.
What are the major differences between the Yamaha P115 and P125?
The Yamaha P125 has major incremental differences when compared to the earlier produced P115. It has more voices, rhythms, and demo songs. With these additions, you are exposed to more playing styles, allowing for versatility and creativity. As an added advantage, the P125 allows the use of a smart piano app that is only compatible with the model. This is unlike the P115 that only allows the use of a digital controller.
What can the Smart Piano App do?
The smart piano app is able to do a lot more than the digital controller. It can play your Spotify tracks through the Yamaha P125 digital piano speaker. It can also give useful suggestions on chords for songs that are played on-screen. This helps you make the right decision as regards notes and chords played. Also, you can save your piano settings and mode using this app, reloading it when you set up your piano.
What Is the Cost to Performance Ratio of the Yamaha P115 and P125?
The cost to performance ratios of the Yamaha P115 and P125 is quite impressive. First, the selling price of both digital pianos is below $1000. Considering the many features and qualities they offer, this is a bargain price. Generally, this is a positive habit, as noticed with many Yamaha brand products. They always have a way to offer so much for less. Obviously, both digital pianos are not the cheapest you can find around. However, if you are considering the cheapest in terms of cost to value ratio, these digital pianos will be somewhere high on the list.
Surprisingly, there is not so much gap in the prices of the Yamaha P115 and P125.
Which is better in cost to value ratio: Yamaha P115 vs P125?
In terms of cost to value ratio, the upgraded Yamaha P125 is the better choice. Although it cost more than the popular P115, this is just a slight difference. However, there are a lot of added features that make it better than the P115 when considering the cost to value ratio. The possibility of using the Smart piano app, added sounds, are all part of the features that make the Yamaha P125 better in this regard.
However, if you already have the P115, then the better economic decision would be to keep it for a while. You can hold on till a higher upgrade comes around. On the other hand, if you’re in the market for something new, spending the slightly extra cash on the P125 is best.
Comparison Table — Yamaha P115 Vs P125
Yamaha P115 | Yamaha P125 | |
| Music Library | 50 songs + 14 demo songs | 50 songs + 21 demo songs |
| Number Of Voices | 14 | 24 |
| App Integration | Digital Piano Controller App | Smart Pianist App |
| Speaker System | One-way | Two-way |
| Accompaniment Rhythms | 14 | 20 |
Scenarios they are Best Suited For?
What scenario is the Yamaha P115 best suited for?
The Yamaha P115 is best suited for pianists and beginners who love to play or practice on the acoustic piano. Because of the hefty purchase and maintenance cost of the acoustic piano, the Yamaha P115 is a great instrument that grants the acoustic piano’s aura in sound and feel. As with the traditional acoustic piano, the Yamaha P115 makes use of heavy keys, as against lightweight ones. For people who use this piano and finally decide to switch to the acoustic piano, the transition is not bound to be difficult. This is because the Yamaha P115 has a lot in common with acoustic pianos.
What scenario is the Yamaha P125 best suited for?
The Yamaha P125 is best suited for intermediate level piano players. In fact, advanced piano players can find this instrument very helpful for practice and even performance. This is because of the amazing features incorporated into the instrument. Features such as the use of the Smart Pianist App, excellent recording, great playback technique, additional voice and rhythms, as well as demo songs all make this digital piano best suited for intermediate and advanced level players. The weight of the Yamaha P125 also makes it easier to move around for professionals.
What are the Features Common to the Yamaha P115 and P125?
The features common to the Yamaha P115 and P125 include the following:
1) The Yamaha P115 and P125 are produced by the same brand: Yamaha. As a result, certain similar standards and brand protocols are observed on both instrument.
2) The Yamaha P115 and P125 have the exact number of music keys. As with the traditional acoustic piano, the Yamaha P115 and P125 have 88 music keys. This is to ensure that the same notes playable, same pitch range, and possible finger movements on the acoustic piano are obtainable on these digital pianos.
3) The music keys of the Yamaha P115 and P125 are heavy and not lightweight. Unlike what you have with music keyboards and synthesizers, the keys of the Yamaha P115 and P125 are heavy and not lightweight. This goes a long way in replicating the acoustic piano’s feeling while playing either of these instruments.
4) Sound production on the Yamaha P115 and P125 are triggered by the graded hammer action under the keys. To make playing on the instrument feel as original as the acoustic piano, a small hammer is attached to the keys as a lever. This pressure and resistance make it seem like the traditional acoustic piano.
5) The Yamaha P115 and P125 have 192 polyphony notes available. This is especially an impressive addition for studio work and music producers. this is because it allows the use of many harmonic variance all at once.
6) The Yamaha P115 and P125 have a recording mechanism and avenues to share the recording digitally.
7) The Yamaha P115 and P125 have helpful features such as the metronome, transpose, and rhythm buttons for learning and performance.
8) The Yamaha P115 and P125 have the exact number of connection port, allowing it share data with other devices. Specifically, there are 5 available ports on the Yamaha P115 and P125.
9) There are various sound variety features on the Yamaha P115 and P125. This includes the duo, split, and dual mode sounds.
10) The Yamaha P115 and P125 allow for app integration. The piano controller can be used for the Yamaha P115, while the Smart Pianist App can be used for the Yamaha P125.
Because the P125 is not a complete design change from the P115, it is not surprising to know they have so much in common.
Why do digital pianos use graded hammer action for the keys?
Digital pianos use graded piano action so that the piano keys will have a heavy feel. This is something associated with the traditional digital piano it is designed to digitally imitate.
To achieve the heavy and not lightweight feel, these pianos attach a small hammer under the keys as a lever. When the keys are struck, the pressure and resistance make it feel like what is obtainable with the acoustic piano.
How does the acoustic piano produce sound?
The acoustic piano produces music sound when the hammers hit one, two, or three strings attached to the keys struck. The vibration of the strings, caused by the contact between the hammer and the strings, makes the instrument produce sound. The hammers connect to the keys through a lever, causing the weight and minimal resistance associated with striking the acoustic piano keys.
How does the digital piano produce its sound difference from the acoustic piano?
The digital piano produces musical sound by avoiding the traditional hammer-string mechanism associated with acoustic pianos. Instead, sounds from a top-quality acoustic piano are recorded and instilled into the digital piano. However, unlike the music keyboard and synthesizer, the digital piano is aimed at looking and feeling like the acoustic piano. As a result, features that make it seem this way are installed. The use of heavy weighted keys is one such feature.
How does a digital piano achieve heavyweight keys?
To have heavyweight keys like the acoustic piano, manufacturers install a small hammer-like device that creates a certain form of pressure and resistance. This is unlike what will be obtainable if a string was simply placed underneath the keys.
Playing the low pitched notes on the acoustic piano presents more resistance and requires more pressure. To replicate this feature on the digital piano, piano manufacturers grade the amount of pressure that will be required to play the notes. In the same vein, playing a high pitched note will require less effort than a low pitched note.
Polyphony
As stated in the list above, the Yamaha P115 and P125 offer 195 polyphony notes. But first, just in case you are in the dark, what is polyphony?
Polyphony is the number of notes that can be played or sung at the same time. It is based on the music theory of harmony. This implies when more than one melodic note or line is used at/around the same time. On the piano, it refers to the number of notes with varying sounds that can be played. For digital pianos such as the Yamaha P115 and P125, you have as many as 195 polyphony notes available.
Does a piano need so many polyphony notes?
A regular piano does not need so many polyphony sounds. This is because you cannot play more than 10 notes all at once, given the number of fingers you have. Except for studio works and music production that may require unrealistic harmonic accompaniment, you do not need so many polyphony notes incorporated in your piano. However, this should not stop you from getting a piano with other impressive features.
To understand more about this, you can watch the video below.
Video: Kraft Music – Digital Piano FAQ “What the heck is polyphony?”
Recording
Can you record with the Yamaha P115 and P125?
You can record and transfer your recordings with the Yamaha P115 and P125. This feature is especially very important for beginners and learners. As a result, the Yamaha brand has left no stone untouched in inputting this feature into the Yamaha P115 and P125 digital pianos. With this impressive addition, you can play and hear yourself out. You can also transfer your recording to your PC or mobile gadget as a MIDI or audio file. Furthermore, the Yamaha P115 and P125 also allow you record 2 tracks over each other.
Metronome, Transpose, and Rhythm
The Yamaha P115 and P125 comes with the metronome and transpose function.
What is a metronome?
A metronome is used to mark time at a predetermined rate. Although it can be used by the most experienced hands, it is more often associated with learners and beginners. It helps inexperienced musicians, either as singers or instrumentalists, develop a sense of rhythm. Metronome is associated with the concept of rhythm and beats in music.
Other than the metronome, the Yamaha P115 and P125 comes with a transpose function.
What is a transpose function?
A transpose function is a button on the music keyboard, synthesizer, and digital piano, that allows you to play a different key on a preferable key. For instance, with the aid of a transpose function button, you can play the Key A major on Key C. To use the transpose function, you are to transpose to the intended key, right from the convenient key.
Who needs a transpose function?
The transpose function on the music keyboard, synthesizer, or digital piano is needed by those who feel very comfortable, or can only play one or very few music keys. There are 12 different keys in music which are all reflected in the piano. In the event that you have to play a key that you do not know your way around, you can transpose from your convenient key. You will still play on your convenient key while getting the result for playing in the key you transposed to.
Do you need to use the transpose function on the piano?
Learners should especially be careful with how they use the transpose function. A beginner can get relaxed playing on only one key because of the transpose function. So, instead of learning how to play on all 12 music keys, he/she settles for using the transpose button all the time. To prevent this, you should be deliberate about learning and practicing all the msuic keys on the piano. However, you can identify your best key and transpose only when it is needed.
How much rhythm does the Yamaha P115 and P125 have?
The Yamaha P125 comes with 20 rhythms, while the Yamaha P115 has 14 rhythms. This means that the Yamaha P125 has 6 more than the P115. If you are particular about getting a piano that offers more rhythm, getting a Yamaha 125 will be better.
Connections
How many connection ports does the Yamaha P115 and P125 have?
The Yamaha P115 and P125 have 5 ports. These ports allow users to transfer recordings, secure connection and practice conveniently. The first kind of ports is the USB port. This port allows users to connect to devices such as tablets, mobile phones, and PCs. Often, because the use of the Smart Pianist App requires a USB cord, this is a very important port. Also, there is the headphone jack port. If you choose to hear every tiny bit of what you are playing, you can use a headphone fixed into the headphone jack port. This port also helps you practice without disturbing anyone else. You can think of it as an advanced practice pedal.
Both digital pianos: the Yamaha P115 and P125, come with 5 different connection ports.
Modes- Duo, Split, Dual.
The Yamaha P115 and P125 come with different sound modes. These sound modes can be achieved by pressing defined buttons on the instrument.
What is a split mode on the piano?
The split function is used to assign different sounds at the same time. For instance, while the high pitched notes are playing strings, the low pitched notes can be set to play brass. The split mode function is also known as the key split. This function can be used to add harmonic variance by using other mimicked instruments on the piano.
What is a dual-mode on the piano?
A dual-mode is a function on the piano that combines the sounds of more than one instrument for a single note. However, one instrument is bound to have dominance over the other. For instance, you can have both the electric guitar and xylophone fused, with the xylophone having dominance.
App Integration
What mobile app can you use with the Yamaha P115 and P125?
You can use the Piano Controller with the Yamaha P115, and the Smart Piano App with the Yamaha P125. The fact that both Yamaha digital pianos allow for mobile app integration is one similarity between them. However, you cannot use the more exciting Smart Piano App on the P115. This is because it is designed to serve the upgraded P125.
The Piano Controller and Smart Pianist App work as controllers for the piano. As a result, they enable you control aspect such as the voice, tempo, songs played in the music library. These apps give you a visual representation of all the functions on the piano.
Which is better: Piano Controller App vs Smart Pianist App?
The Smart Pianist App is better than the Piano Controller App. Although helpful, the Piano Controller app is no more than a remote alternative for controlling and using the functions on the piano. On the other end, the Smart Pianist App offers more than that. Most notable is its function that allows you to play your iTunes collection using the keyboard’s speaker. As an added advantage, the Smart Pianist App suggests helpful chords as the songs keep playing. You can also use the app to save customized sounds and settings.
Yamaha P115 Vs P125 – Features Unique To Each Piano
What are the Features Unique to the Yamaha P115?
The following are some of the features unique to the Yamaha P115:
1) It has 14 different voices installed. These voices are great for variety when playing. Other than different piano sounds, they include sounds in the organ, string, and bass family.
2) The Yamaha P115 has 50 songs in the music library.
3) The Yamaha P115 has 14 demo songs.
What are the different 14 Voices on the Yamaha P115?
The 14 different voices of the Yamaha P115 are:
1) Grand Piano
2) Bright Piano
3) Mellow Grand
4) DX E. Piano
5) Stage E. Piano
6) Vintage E. Piano
7) Jazz Organ
8) Pipe Organ
9) Rock Organ
10) Vibraphone
11) Strings
12) Harpsi-chord
13) Wood Bass
14) E. Bass
For beginners, these 14 musical sounds are more than enough. However, for intermediate players, you may need something with a little more variety. This Yamaha P125 can come in handy here. This is because it has 10 extra voices.
Below is a helpful overview of the Yamaha P115.
Video: P-115 Digital Piano Overview
What are the Features Unique to the Yamaha P125?
The following are some of the features unique to the Yamaha P125:
1) It has 24 different instrument sounds. This is 10 more compared to the Yamaha P115.
2) The Yamaha P115 has 50 songs in the music library.
3) The Yamaha P115 has 21 demo songs.
What are the 24 different voices on the Yamaha P125?
The 24 different voices on the Yamaha P125 are:
1) Grand Piano
2) Live Grand
3) Ballad Grand
4) Bright Grand
5) Stage E. Piano
6) DX E. Piano
7) Vintage
8) E. Piano
9) Synth Piano
10) Jazz Organ Rock Organ
11) Organ Principal
12) Organ Tutti
13) Harpsichord
14) Harpsi.8’+4’
15) E. Clavichord
16) Vibraphone
17) Strings
18) Slow Strings
19) Choir
20) Synth Pad
21) Acoustic Bass
22) Electric Bass
23) Bass & Cymbal
24) Fretless Bass
Below is a video that reviews the Yamaha P125.
Video: Yamaha P-125 digital piano review – What piano should I buy?
What are the Unique Advantages: Yamaha P115 vs P125?
What are the Unique Advantages of the Yamaha P115?
The unique advantage the Yamaha P115 has over the Yamaha P125 is the price. The Yamaha P115 is more affordable. Its purchase price is less than a $1000, making it a good price considering the features it offers.
What are the Unique Advantages of the Yamaha P125?
The unique advantage that the Yamaha P125 has over the Yamaha P115 include the following:
1) It has more voices you can work with. At 24, this is 10 more than the Yamaha P115 offers.
2) It comes with 21 demo songs. This is 7 more than is available on the Yamaha P115.
3) The Yamaha P125 has 20 rhythms. This is 6 more than is available on the Yamaha P115.
4) It allows you to use the impressive features of the Smart Pianist App.
5) On the Yamaha P125, you can save your settings and modes in a register.
What are the Unique Disadvantages: Yamaha P115 vs P125?
What are the Unique Disadvantages of the Yamaha P115?
The Unique disadvantages of the Yamaha P115 include the following:
1) It has only 14 voices available. This is 10 less than the Yamaha P125.
2) It has only 14 demo songs available.
3) It has only 14 rhythms available.
4) It uses the Digital Piano Controller App which only has basic piano control functions. Nothing more than that.
What are the Unique Disadvantages of the Yamaha P125?
The unique disadvantage of the Yamaha P125 is that it is more expensive than the Yamaha P115. Although, this is just a slight increment in price, it is enough reason for many to opt for the Yamaha P115.
What are the Common Advantages of the Yamaha P115 and P125?
The common advantages of the Yamaha P115 and P125 include the following:
1) Both instruments are lightweight. This means that while they offer the feel of the acoustic piano, moving them around will not be a problem. Both digital pianos weigh 26 pounds.2) Both instruments allows you play on 88 keys. Since the idea of the digital piano is to digitally imitate the acoustic piano, the Yamaha P115 and P125 have the traditional 88 keys.
3) Rather than lightweight keys, the Yamaha P115 and P125 come with weighted keys triggered by a graded hammer action.
4) The Yamaha P115 and P125 have recording and playback mechanisms installed. This helps a lot whhile practicing, as well as for convenience.
5) Both digital pianos come with features such as the metronome, transpose, and rhythm functions.
6) The piano is easy to use. This ease is enhanced because it can be used with defined mobile apps.
7) The provision for external connectivity is impressive. You can use a USB cord and headphone jack as designated ports are available on these digital pianos.
What are the Common Disadvantages of the Yamaha P115 and P125?
The common Disadvantages of the Yamaha P115 and P125 include the following:
1) Neither of these digital pianos allow for bluetooth connectivity.2) Compared to many other digital pianos, they have a very limited amount of instrumental sounds available.
3) The sustain footswitch that comes with both instrument is not impressive. This has been a reoccuring problem with this Yamaha series.
4) Neither of these digital pianos come with an LCD screen. Although judging from the price, this is not a big deal.
What Do People Think About Them?
Yamaha P115 | Yamaha P125 |
| As expected, some beginners have slight issues with the weighted keys. However, intermediate level players do not have the same problem. | Many users stress how this instrument feels like the acoustic piano. This is a great compliment as digital pianos are aimed at feeling like the acoustic piano. |
| The portability of this digital piano is greatly admired. This is because of the ease that comes with moving it around. Despite its portability, it is sturdy enough to be played without any shakes. | Some users explained that while the organ sounds were great, the strings and electric piano voices sounded cheesy. |
| The design of this piano is considered elegant by many users. | The sustain pedal has been reported to be below expectation. A particular user called it a “cheap plastic piece of ….” If you are giving serious thought to buying this piano, you may want to think about getting an external sustain pedal. |
| Several users have complained about the speakers. It is reported not to be loud enough. This can be fixed by using a headphone or connecting the instrument to an external speaker. | Because of the increased number of voices and its recording features, this digital piano has been highly recommended by intermediate and advanced players. |
| Other than the few flaws, most users love this instrument. | Other than these two flaws, this digital piano is highly regarded by users |
What Do We Think?
Which is better: Yamaha P115 vs P125?
The Yamaha P125 is apparently better than the Yamaha P115. This is why the P125 was made to replace the production of the P115. The added advantage of the increased number of demo songs, rhythm, instrumental voices all explain why the Yamaha P125 is better than the Yamaha P115.
As stated much earlier in the article, the comparison is not about which is better. Rather, it is if the P125: the better option, is worth the hype. In light of this, below is our conclusion.
Which should you buy: Yamaha P115 vs P125?
The Yamaha P125 is the option you should for. This is because the Yamaha P125 wins in terms of user-friendly features and cost to value ratio. The price difference between these two pianos is not so much. So, if you don’t own either of them and you’re looking at getting a digital piano, the P125 is obviously the better choice.
This is because you will get more voices and rhythms to play with, updated hardware, and best of all: the Smart Pianist App.
However, if you currently have the P115, then we do not think there’s any need to get the P125. You should keep the Yamaha P115 till a better model than the P125 is out.
Check out these other in-depth articles/Reviews…
- Yamaha P45 Vs P115 – Detailed Comparison
- Yamaha P105 Vs P115 – Detailed Comparison
- Casio PX160 Vs Yamaha P115 – Detailed Comparison
- Shure SM57 Vs SM58 – Detailed Comparison
- How Much Do Piano Lessons Cost?
- How Hard Is It To Learn The Piano?
Yamaha P115 vs P125 – Frequently Asked Questions
Does Yamaha P115 Have Headphone Jack?
The Yamaha P115 has a headphone jack port. The port for the headphone jack is one of the 5 ports available. Another is the USB port. By fixing your headphone into the port allotted for it, you can perform, rehearse, and listen to your recording silently. This is a great feature, especially if you are particular about not disturbing anyone in the environment. It affords you this privilege.
Using the headphone may even turn out better than playing without it. This is because you hear every bit of the notes played; something that may not be very audible without the headphone. This is an impressive feature of the Yamaha P115.
Does Yamaha P125 Have Bluetooth?
The Yamaha 125 does not have Bluetooth. Although it is an upgraded model compared to the Yamaha P115, it does not come with this feature. However, it is expected that a much-improved version of the P125 will enable the use of Bluetooth in the near future. This is to save users the stress of using wires, adapters, and cables. Other than this, the P125 is an amazing digital piano. One of its highpoints is the compatibility with the Smart Pianist App. This app enables you to control and carry out great functions using your mobile phone.
Is the Yamaha P125 Good?
The Yamaha P125 is a great piano. This is especially for beginners and intermediate level players. It is a great alternative to playing the acoustic piano. It has 88 weighted keys that function with grade hammer action. Also, it allows for app integration. With the Yamaha P125, you can use the Smart Piano App. This is a mobile app that enables you to control functions on the piano and do other amazing things like play songs.
However, there are few flaws with the Yamaha P125. The quality and effectiveness of the sustain pedal have been a reoccurring flaw in the series. Also, the non-compatibility for Bluetooth operations is not welcomed by many. However, it is a good piano for the most part.
How Do I Reset My Yamaha P125?
To reset your Yamaha P125, the piano should be turned off. Afterward, you are to press the highest pitched note – a white key – for 3 seconds. While doing that, switch the piano back on. Resetting the factory-installed or customized setting of the P125 is that simple. Unlike many kinds of keyboard, digital pianos, and synthesizers, this process requires nothing extraordinary. It is also fast, which makes it great. Little wonder it is considered an upgrade to the popular and renowned Yamaha P115 which is quite common among beginners.
How Do I Record on My Yamaha P125?
To record on the Yamaha P125, you are to press the button labeled “record”. Once you do this, any performance on the piano keys will be recorded. To stop the process, you need to press the record button once again. The process is quite easy and makes practice convenient and productive. This is considering that learners can observe their flaws and improve. This is one of the features that make the Yamaha P125 especially great for beginners.
Other than this, the Yamaha P125 also allows users app integration. The use of the Smart Pianist App allows learners to play songs and suggest helpful chords to accompany the songs.
Does the Yamaha P125 Have Weighted Keys?
The Yamaha P125 has weighted keys. This is just like the Yamaha P115 that it was designed to replace. The weighted keys are enabled by graded hammer action beneath the keys. This physical feature allows the Yamaha P125 to fulfill the aim of feeling like the acoustic piano. So, for those on the lookout for a digital piano with keys that feel like the acoustic piano, the Yamaha P125 is a good option.
Also, as with the traditional acoustic piano, the Yamaha P125 has 88 keys. This allows users to perform the exact finger movements possible on the acoustic piano. It is indeed a digital alternative to the acoustic piano.